MM6 Ballet Flats: The Anatomic Ballerina, Sizing and Styling

MM6 ballet flats are the Anatomic ballerinas: soft leather flats on a rounded, foot-shaped toe and a low cylindrical heel, held on by an elastic strap printed with the MM6 numeric artwork. They are the line’s best-selling shoe and one of the most searched designer flats. Luxury Handbags stocks them in our designer flats, from the Nappa Anatomic Numeric Ballerinas in Black to the Anatomic Numeric Ballerinas in Pink.

What makes the Anatomic ballerina different

Most ballet flats are cut on a slim, symmetrical last. The MM6 Anatomic toe follows the shape of the foot instead, wider and rounder at the front, which is why the shoe looks slightly unusual and feels more comfortable than a classic pointe-style flat. The heel is a small cylinder, often around 1 to 2.5 cm, and the elastic across the instep keeps the shoe on without a buckle. The white stitch line sits at the back of the heel.

The versions this season

• Nappa leather: the classic, in black, alabaster, pink, olive and brown, such as the Anatomic Numeric Ballerinas in Olive.
• Calf leather: a slightly firmer leather with a 2.5 cm heel, the Calf Leather Anatomic Numeric Ballerinas in Black.
• Nylon and satin-effect: lighter versions in black and bordeaux, such as the Anatomic Numeric Ballerinas in Bordeaux.
• Square-toe ballet flats: a sharper shape in ovine leather, the Square-Toe Leather Ballet Flats in Black.
• Travel ballerinas: soft folding flats in suede and leather for packing.

Do MM6 ballet flats run true to size?

MM6 publishes no sizing correction, so take your usual EU size. Luxury Handbags lists exactly the sizes MM6 makes, including half sizes such as 37.5 EU. Because the Anatomic toe is roomy, people with narrow feet sometimes prefer the half size down; between sizes in a closed flat, most people take the larger. EU 37 is roughly a UK 4. More in our MM6 size guide.

How to wear MM6 ballet flats

They are made for denim: wear them with wide jeans rolled once at the hem, a T-shirt and a long coat. With a midi dress they look softer and more grown-up than sneakers. In winter, add a fine sock in a contrast colour, which the elastic strap shows off. Black and alabaster go with everything; pink and olive are the easiest colours to wear.

MM6 ballet flats vs other designer flats

Designer ballet flats are searched about 9,900 times a month worldwide, and the field is crowded. The MM6 pair stands apart for its rounded Anatomic toe and the numeric elastic, and it costs less than most Paris-house flats. If you want the split toe instead, that is the Maison Margiela Tabi.

MM6 Maison Margiela at a glance

Frequently asked questions

Are MM6 ballet flats comfortable?

Yes. The Anatomic toe follows the shape of the foot and the low cylindrical heel adds a little lift, so they are more comfortable than most narrow ballet flats.

Do MM6 ballet flats come in half sizes?

Yes. Most styles come in EU half sizes from 35 to 41, and Luxury Handbags lists every size MM6 makes.

Are MM6 ballerinas the same as Tabi?

No. Tabi shoes have a split toe and belong to Maison Margiela. MM6 Anatomic ballerinas have a rounded, unsplit toe.

What are MM6 ballet flats made of?

Most are nappa, calf and ovine leather with leather linings. Some versions use nylon and polyester uppers.

How do I clean MM6 ballet flats?

Wipe leather with a soft dry cloth and store the pair in its dust bag. Brush suede gently and keep it away from rain.

Read next: MM6 shoes guide, MM6 size guide, The Japanese bag.